One Step Closer to Perfect

the best kind of news

'Oh my goodness... What has happened, Le?' Beth says as the blonde opens her front door with tears streaming down her cheeks. Immediately Beth puts the brakes on the pram and pulls Leah into her arms as she begins to sob into her shoulder. They spend a few minutes just standing in the doorway with Leah sobbing in Beth's arms before Leah pulls away slightly and gestures for Beth to make her way into the house.

'Thank you for coming.' Leah almost whispers as she follows Beth into the living room.

'You don't have to thank me, Le. What's going on? Is everything okay? Has something happened between you and Wally?' Beth asks and Leah shakes her head as she glances into the pram where Piper is sleeping peacefully.

'I uh- I feel like you're going to think I'm so overdramatic but I just I feel like I just can't stop crying.' Leah admits shaking her head as she wipes her cheeks.

'I'm sure you're not being overdramatic, Le.' Beth says as they both sit down on the sofa.

'Mum had an appointment with her consultant today.' Leah says biting her bottom lip and instantly Beth feels her heart sink as she reaches for the blonde's hand. She watches Leah take a deep breath and gently squeezes her hand.

'S-She got the all clear. They've said that she'll need to have check-ups and whatever to ensure that it doesn't come back but she's going to be okay.' Leah continues.

'Oh, Le... That's amazing news. I'm so, so happy for you all. How wonderful.' Beth says smiling as she pulls the blonde into her arms.

'I'm sorry. How shitty of me is this when you went through everything.' Leah mumbles shaking her head.

'Don't you dare apologise. Everything I went through with mum is the exact reason I have been hoping and praying for your mum to get the all clear... I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.' Beth says kissing the top of Leah's head.

****

'Oh I'm going to miss you when I'm in Tenerife, PJ...' Leah says smiling as she cradles Piper in her arms.

'Actually... Piper and I are coming to Tenerife. I had a meeting with Jonas the other day about it and although we don't think I'll quite be in full training again he has said we can both come.' Beth replies causing Leah to squeal.

'Baby gooner on tour!' Leah says grinning. The sound of the front door closing causes them both to smile as they glance towards the living room door where Lia and Vivianne make their way into the room.

'Oh nothing makes me happier than baby visits.' Lia says smiling as she makes her way over to Leah and leans down to look at Piper.

'Hey, liefie...' Vivianne says softly as she sits down next to Beth and smiles as she instantly rests her head on her shoulder.

'Would you like your daughter back before Lia steals her?' Leah asks glancing at Vivianne who smiles and shakes her head.

'Wally can have snuggles.' Vivianne replies smiling as Lia immediately takes the baby into her arms.

'Hello, sweet-pea... Oh my goodness, Auntie Wally will never get over just how cute you are.' Lia almost whispers as she gazes down at the baby causing Leah to smile.

'How's Coco been today? What have you guys been up to? How did your mum get on, babes?' Lia asks.

'She's good. She's out in the garden running off some energy. That's actually the reason Beth came over... She got a lovely little phonecall of me absolutely sobbing down the phone this morning.' Leah replies, noticing Vivianne's arm instantly tighten around her partner.

'Mum got the all clear... She's okay.' Leah says softly as tears once again fill her eyes.

'Oh that's the best news ever.' Lia replies and Leah nods her head.

'I just didn't anticipate feeling so overwhelmed and emotional.' Leah admits.

'Do you guys want to stay for dinner? Mum is coming over and I just know she'd love to see you both and Piper.' Leah asks glancing at Beth and Vivianne.

'Oh we don't want to impose, not tonight...' Beth replies and Leah shakes her head.

'I couldn't have got through any of this if it wasn't for you Beth. I've always known that you're amazing and supportive, both of you but if this experience has showed me anything it's that you guys aren't just my friends... You're family at this point and I know my mum absolutely feels the same. She'd love it if you stayed for dinner.' Leah says and Beth glances at Vivianne who nods her head.

'I can go home and take Myle out then come back.' Vivianne says.

'Bring her over... She'll tire Coco out and give us some peace tonight.' Leah suggests and Beth nods her head.

'Then we'd love to stay, Le.' Beth replies.

****

'I think you might be getting a little bit closer to getting a grandchild...' Beth says smiling as her and Amanda watch Leah and Lia fussing over Piper.

'I've accepted they'll give me one when they're ready... For now I'm just content with seeing Leah so happy.' Amanda replies and Beth nods her head.

'They are really good together; I couldn't think of a pair that are better matched than those two.' Beth says smiling.

'How's Jordan doing? I know you two are still close.' Amanda asks and Beth smiles.

'She's doing good. She's getting used to retirement and trying to find things to fill her time... She's coming to the game on Saturday actually, I'm sure she'd love to see you if you're there.' Beth replies and Amanda nods her head.

'It would be nice to see her.' Amanda says smiling.

'Have you any idea when you're going to be back playing?' Amanda asks and Beth shakes her head.

'Not really... My plan is to go to camp with the girls in January; Piper will be coming with us and I won't be fully training, I'm absolutely not fit enough for that but it's a start, isn't it?' Beth replies causing Amanda to smile.

'As amazing as it will be to see you back on that pitch, don't rush it. She's only this little once and you have been through a hell of a lot, haven't you?' Amanda says and Beth smiles.

'Absolutely. I'm just taking it a day at a time and seeing how I feel. Jonas and the rest of the staff are really good at checking in and just seeing where I'm at physically and mentally... I don't think I could've done any of this without such a supportive team.' Beth replies.

'Are you and Viv going to the Christmas night out? Leah was speaking about it the other day.' Amanda asks and Beth shrugs her shoulders.

'I'm not sure. I think Viv will go because I don't want her to miss out but I'm not sure if my dad can get the time off work to watch Piper.' Beth replies.

'I could watch Piper for you if your dad can't come down? I mean I know I'm not related and stuff but just if you ever needed anyone...' Amanda says causing Beth to smile.

'Thank you but I couldn't ask you to do that, Amanda.' Beth replies shaking her head.

'You're not asking me to do anything, I'm offering lovely...' Amanda says.